laserjet 1300 paper jam

[lstrayho]

LaserJet 3100  C3946A USBF021323 Mfg October 13 1999

History/Primary use

Has not fed from multi-page bin for years. Single feed OK for my purposes. Not used for fax or printing from computer. Primary use scan and copy.

Malfunction

Replaced empty toner cartridge. First scan and copy effort resulted in paper jam at copy stage with part of page still in feed tray (do not remember if used single or multi bin to feed). Pulled page back out with normal resistance (no tear or corners missing). First 1/3 of page came out folded over second 1/3. Toner deposited as expected on first 1/3 and on 1 inch of second 1/3. Toner condition dry dust, not heated. Deposited toner sharp and distinct as original scan. Next effort at scan and copy. Inserted single sheet in single sheet bin at “Paper Bin Is Empty Please Add Paper” instruction. This resulted in “Printer Paper Jam Check Paper Path” message when paper inserted. Can see no paper pieces inside. Restarted by holding “Stop/Clear” button.  Also powered off by disconnecting cord for several minutes and reconnecting. Same “Jam” message when paper inserted. Reinserted previous (almost empty) cartridge with same “insert paper and jam” message results. Also tried both restart methods with this previous cartridge.

I would appreciate any advice that may resolve this problem.

Larry Strayhorn

lstrayho@email.unc.edu

[ScannerAndPrint]

Thank you for the thorough description.  It sounds like you may have a fuser that has reached a fail point or the end of life.  The fuser is the film that heats the toner.  It could be wrinkled or torn because it is worn too thin.   Since your main tray has been having pick errors for quite some times, it sounds like the pick rollers are also at end of life.  The fuser on this printer is designed to last the life of the printer, so even though you might be able to find parts to fix it, they will be expensive and likely not fully fix the issue.  I would recommend you start looking for a new printer.

[lstrayho]

Only interested in restoring scan /print fujction.
Larry

[lstrayho]

Initial jam stopped with more than half of the page not having reached the toner roller as evidenced by the toner only 1 inch above the first 1/3 of page. When removing page from top bin,page exited with bottom 1\3 folded onto middle 1/3.

Would this 1 inch extension of the folded portion have reached the fixer element.?

Does the "paper jam" message indicate fixer element failure?

"Paper jam" message prevents me from running a test thru to see if it comes out as dust toner or normal copy.

Larry

[ScannerAndPrint]

The paper path is short, so it goes past the laser scanner where the image is written and then it moves to the fuser to be fixed within about 1/3rd of the page. Without looking at it, the fuser is just my best guess. It is possible there is something else obstructing the page like remnant media.
Typically fuser errors occur when the heating element is damaged or there is incorrect voltage. If the film delaminated, it would cause a jam which is the only detectable error.

[lstrayho · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your assistance.

I suppose I have nothing to lose by using the service manual to get to the test of the fuser/heater.

Larry